ELSTHORPE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1685, 15 June 1904, Page 30

ELSTHORPE.

(From an Occasional Correspondent.)

There is a section of the public which regards Farmers’ TJnion meetings as of the dry-as-dust order of meeting, but if space be permitted for a brief account of the formation of ai branch of that organisation, which like the “motor principle” is increasing in usefulness, the section in contemplation Will be enabled to correct its impressions. On the 4th inst. at Elst-horpe a social was held in the public schoolroom which had a dual objective, viz., to enable those who attended to form a branch of the Farmers’ TJnion, and to give a welcome ■to the Union’s veterinary surgeon, Mr Brodie. Climatic conditions were not very favourable but a number of persons were present, amongst whom were ladies. Mr Duncan presided, and in a brief speech detailed the objects of the Union, referred to its importance, and solicited earnestly co-operation and assistance. Mr B'rodie addressed the meeting in a conversational manner, referred to hist position in the union, enumerated his duties, and what periods his services would be available, and mentioned that it was his intention to give object lessons' illustrated with diagrams ou ailments of horses', cows, etc., promoted.with living subjects. About thirty members were enrolled, the annual subscription being fixed at 12s. The following gentlemen were elected as a committee:—Mr James Duncan, senr. (chairman), Mr A. H. Dillon (vice-chair-man), Mr M. Eyan (lion sec.), and Messrs J. Duncan, junr., A. W. Henderline, It. Angus, H. R. Williams, W. Watson, A. McQuade, R. Si. McAuly, W. Gilmour, A. McGaffin, F. Haycock, IX Sutherland, general. committee. An excellent supper was provided and served by the ladies, and a very enjoyable little concert terminated the proceedings. The telephone exchange is proving very acceptable, enabling us to be in touch with the commercial world within a very considerable radius for the small charge of 6d for three minutes conversation over the wire and a charge of 3d for hunting the person required to listen. Our male townspeople find three minutes an ample allowance, but one benedict has unkindly suggested that the time be extended if a lady wishes to . speak, because, continued he, “in three minutes preliminaries only will be arranged, and I scarcely like to even suggest how much longer she will need in which to deliver one message.’ , Seriously considered, the convenience is) greatly appreciated, and largely used.